This blog was created in follow-up to a library friends communications meeting to demonstrate how free online tools can be used to give your library friends group a web presence when resources for an expanded website are limited. This basic example is for the novice, such as myself, but does require an understanding of internet browsing and web-based email. In this demonstration, the 'Friends of the Springfield Library' have:
- a customized email address;
- a blog to share news, publicize their organization, and promote events;
- a form allowing visitors to express their interest and add their email to a mailing list.
2. Set-up the blog. You can use your gmail account to access other Google services, such as Blogger. Sign into the Blogger website (www.blogspot.com) and click on 'Create a Blog.' You will again be guided through the process, including the selection of a template. The template sets the general layout, look and feel. You can change the template and other settings at any time. There are three general sections to your blog. The headline, posting area (where you are reading this text), and sidebar. Setting up the sidebar is probably the most time-consuming part step, but it's fun. Blogger gives you a wide variety of options for the sidebar. You simply choose what type of information you want, fill in the blanks, and the blogger integrates it in the order you choose. Examples are found to your right. For an example of more sidebar bells and whistles, check out other blogs, such as http://oxfam-mn.blogspot.com/.
I recommend exploring the various options and don't hesitate to use Blogger's excellent 'Help' feature (upper right hand corner). Frequent new posts (examples are below - like short news bulletins) will keep people interested.
3. Open channels of communication from your blog's visitors to you. List your email address on the blog. You can also create a form for individuals to express specific interests and sign-up for an email newsletter. In this demonstration, check out the link to "Register for our free e-newsletter" on the side bar under Get Involved. This form is made through Google Docs, another service you can use with your new gmail/Google account. Sign into Google Docs and create a form. The interface will be familiar to anyone accustomed to basic computer databases. After creating the form, click on share and add the link to your blog. When someone completes the form, their information will be added to a spreadsheet. You can easily copy and paste their email addresses into outgoing messages.
Good luck! I hope this informal demonstration can be a starting point for anyone interested. I am not an expert with these tools. It took me about an hour to create the gmail account, set-up the blog, and create the form. There are other free services available (WordPress is another popular free blog service) and no doubt better ways to configure them. Good luck to you if take this for a test drive for your library friends group. I'm unable to provide any technical support; there are good help features throughout the process and these tools are becoming common enough that you probably know someone who can help.
Look below for two sample posts.
- Adam, Minneapolis
When Jane and John Doe won last week's record $900 million Powerball jackpot, there was no question as to where the fortune was headed. Ms. Doe declared, "During these economic hard times, public libraries are more important than ever. That's why we're donating our winnings to The Friends of the Springfield Library. They could use more copies of Harry Potter."